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- Home Affairs4824851891906 September 2026
Immigration Program Administration Guidelines Updated
Home Affairs has released the 16th edition of immigration program administration guidelines. This document outlines how visa programs are managed and processed.
Read more - Home Affairs4826 September 2026
Aged care provider fined $120k for illegally charging migrant workers
An NSW aged care company was sanctioned for unlawfully charging sponsored workers visa and sponsorship costs. The company must repay affected workers and faces a six-month ban on new sponsorships.
Read more - Home Affairsgeneral4824851893 September 2026
Coalition proposes stricter immigration policy with values-based requirements
The Opposition has announced a migration plan to reduce immigration numbers and introduce stricter visa conditions, including an Australian Values Statement requirement and additional social media scrutiny.
Read more - Home Affairs5003 September 2026
Student Visa Application Charge Increasing
The Australian Government has announced an increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for student visas. This affects international students applying for or renewing student visas.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891902 September 2026
Home Affairs Updates Visa Fees and Skilled Migration Rules
Home Affairs has amended regulations affecting citizenship application fees, temporary skilled migration income thresholds, and visa application fees, effective 30 June 2026.
Read more - Home Affairs1901 September 2026
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa Cost Concession
From 1 July 2026, eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens will pay a lower visa cost when applying for the Subclass 190 visa.
Read more - Home Affairs1904914824941 September 2026
NSW shifts to priority sector focus for skilled migration
NSW has stopped using occupation lists and now focuses on five priority sectors for skilled migration nominations. Applicants in other fields may still be considered if they rank highly.
Read more - Home Affairs60018919049128 August 2026
New Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Laws Coming in 2026
Australia is updating laws to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. AUSTRAC will gain new powers to restrict high-risk financial products and services.
Read more - Home Affairs60018919048228 August 2026
Australia and Indonesia strengthen security cooperation
Australia and Indonesia have agreed to expand partnerships on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and border control. This affects visa processing and security screening for all applicants.
Read more - Home Affairs48527 August 2026
Temporary Graduate visa application fees to increase
The Australian Government is increasing the visa application charge for Temporary Graduate visas. The exact amount and effective date should be confirmed with Home Affairs.
Read more - Home Affairs16 August 2026
Community Support Program changes take effect
Home Affairs has amended regulations affecting the Community Support Program. The changes came into effect on 1 July 2026.
Read more - Home AffairsPALM48248560015 August 2026
ABF cracks down on migrant worker exploitation in Far North Queensland
Australian Border Force has detained multiple people involved in exploiting migrant workers and abusing Australia's visa system. The operation targeted scam agents, illegal labour schemes, and trafficking networks.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919015 August 2026
Annual Market Salary Rate Updated for 2026
Home Affairs updated the annual market salary rate used to assess certain visa applications. This affects skilled migration visa applicants whose eligibility depends on salary thresholds.
Read more - Home Affairs48515 August 2026
New Application Fee for Temporary Graduate Visa
Australia has introduced an application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This affects recent international graduates applying for this visa.
Read more - Home Affairs48211 August 2026
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream
Updated information on the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 Core Skills stream, including visa duration, costs, and processing times for applicants.
Read more - Home Affairs18919049148210 August 2026
Understanding visa processing times and what affects them
Home Affairs publishes median processing times for key visa categories to help applicants understand delays. Processing times vary significantly based on application completeness and other factors.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518649410 August 2026
ABF Cracks Down on Migrant Worker Exploitation in Far North Queensland
Australian Border Force conducted enforcement operations in Far North Queensland identifying unlawful non-citizens and disrupting worker exploitation. The operation resulted in detentions and visa cancellations.
Read more - Home Affairs4179 August 2026
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Arrangements Updated for 2026
Home Affairs has issued updated arrangements for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). The changes take effect from 30 June 2026.
Read more - Home Affairshumanitarian8 August 2026
Iranian Women's Soccer Team Offered Humanitarian Visas
Australia has offered humanitarian visas to members of the Iranian women's soccer team who wished to stay in the country. The visas include a pathway to permanent residency.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891908 August 2026
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to be reformed from 2029
The Australian Government is changing how the Adult Migrant English Program works from January 2029. The new model will focus on migrants with the greatest need for English language support.
Read more - Home Affairs6001891904828 August 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026
New legislation has been passed that amends Australia's migration laws, focusing on arrival control powers. The changes affect how Department of Home Affairs manages border arrivals.
Read more - Home Affairs4911891904947 August 2026
Queensland State Nomination Fee Increase from 1 July 2026
Queensland's state nomination application fee is increasing to $573 from 1 July 2026. This affects skilled visa applicants who receive an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination.
Read more - Home Affairs4821851891907 August 2026
NSW State Migration Plan 2024-28
NSW Government released its first State Migration Plan outlining priorities for migration to address skill shortages and support migrant success in the state.
Read more - Home Affairs4917 August 2026
NSW Regional Skilled Work Nominations for Childcare Sector
NSW Parliament questioned the government on skilled work regional visa nominations for childcare workers in 2025-26. The question asked about nomination numbers and prioritisation settings for regions with childcare shortages.
Read more - Home Affairs5005 August 2026
Student visa processing priorities explained
Home Affairs processes student visas differently depending on where you applied and your course type. Understanding your priority level can help you plan ahead.
Read more - Home Affairs5005 August 2026
New rules for international student visa processing from November 2025
Australia is introducing new ministerial direction to balance international student numbers across providers. This affects how student visas are processed and prioritised.
Read more - Home Affairs4824 August 2026
Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa is a temporary visa that allows employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas when they cannot find suitable Australian staff for the role.
Read more - Home Affairs4824851891904 August 2026
Check Your Visa Processing Times Online
Home Affairs has a tool to help you estimate how long your visa application may take. Processing times are based on recently decided applications.
Read more - Home Affairs3 August 2026
New Parent Visa Application Rules Updated
Home Affairs has updated the rules for how to apply for parent visas in Australia. This affects people applying for various parent visa subclasses.
Read more - Home Affairshumanitarianrefugee1901893 August 2026
Australia Celebrates Refugee Week 2026 and One Million Humanitarian Visas
Australia marks Refugee Week (14-20 June 2026) and celebrates granting one million permanent humanitarian visas since World War II. This acknowledges the country's long history of refugee resettlement.
Read more - Home Affairs6001891904823 August 2026
Australia Travel Declaration rolling out nationwide by end of 2027
Australia is replacing paper passenger cards with a digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at all airports and seaports. Travellers can pre-fill their declaration up to 72 hours before arrival.
Read more - Home Affairs4824852 August 2026
Training Visa Sponsorship Requirements Changes
New rules for training visa sponsorship requirements came into effect in March 2026. This affects employers and training visa applicants.
Read more - Home Affairs5001 August 2026
International Student Visa Fees Double from July 1, 2024
Student visa fees increased from $710 to $1,600 as of July 1, 2024. The change is part of broader migration reforms affecting temporary visa holders.
Read more - Home Affairs49131 July 2026
Skilled Work Regional Visa (491) Pathways 1 & 3 Now Closed
NSW has closed applications for Subclass 491 Pathways 1 and 3 after all available nomination places were allocated. Pathway 2 remains open.
Read more - Home Affairs18618718919030 July 2026
New Processing Priorities for Skilled Visa Applications from July 2026
Home Affairs has introduced new processing priorities for skilled visa applications effective 25 July 2026. Applications are now ranked by occupation type and applicant location.
Read more - Home Affairs18919049118629 July 2026
Understanding Visa Processing Times
Home Affairs publishes median processing times for key visa categories. Skilled permanent visas take 9 months on average, while Partner visas take 20 months.
Read more - Home Affairs19228 July 2026
Pacific Engagement Visa Ballot Now Open
The Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192) ballot registration opened on 1 July 2026 and closes on 29 July 2026 for eligible citizens from 11 Pacific nations and Timor-Leste.
Read more - Home Affairs18919049148228 July 2026
Permanent Migration Program remains at 185,000 for 2025-2026
Australia's permanent migration intake stays unchanged at 185,000 places for 2025-2026, with continued focus on skilled migration following consultation with states and territories.
Read more - Home Affairs50027 July 2026
Student visa cancelled after child abuse material found
ABF cancelled a student visa at Adelaide Airport after finding prohibited child abuse material on a passenger's phone. The man was issued an infringement notice and removed from Australia.
Read more - Home Affairs48526 July 2026
Temporary Graduate visa application charges to increase
Home Affairs has announced an uplift to visa application charges for Temporary Graduate visas. Check the latest fees before submitting your application.
Read more - Home Affairs49119018949425 July 2026
Queensland Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 - Registrations Now Closed
Queensland has closed registrations for its 2025-26 skilled migration program after receiving high volumes of applications. All available nomination places have been filled.
Read more - Home Affairs18919019149424 July 2026
2025-26 Migration Program Stays at 185,000 Permanent Visas
The Australian Government has confirmed the permanent migration program will remain at 185,000 visas for 2025-26. State and Territory nominated skilled visas will also stay at current planning levels.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919023 July 2026
Visa processing times - Quarterly report
Home Affairs publishes quarterly reports showing how long it takes to process Migration and Temporary visas. These reports help applicants understand current processing trends and timeframes.
Read more - Home Affairs10380414317323 July 2026
Parent Visa Queue Release Update – May 2026
Home Affairs has released the latest queue dates for parent visa processing. Contributory Parent visas lodged up to November 2018 are now being processed for final assessment.
Read more - Home Affairs11683611483822 July 2026
Other Family Visas Queue Release Update - May 2026
Home Affairs has released queue dates for Carer, Remaining Relative, and Aged Dependent Relative visas. Processing continues in lodgement date order with caps on visa numbers each year.
Read more - Home Affairs40722 July 2026
Compliance crackdown on Training visa exploitation
Home Affairs is conducting a four-month national operation to crack down on fraudulent training programs and exploitation under the Training (subclass 407) visa. The operation involves inspections at over 200 workplaces across Australia.
Read more - Home Affairs60050021 July 2026
ABF Border Security Update - Drug and Contraband Detections Increase
The Australian Border Force reported significant increases in illegal drug seizures and child exploitation material detections at the border. This affects all travellers entering Australia.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919021 July 2026
Minister Responds to Opposition Immigration Policy Criticism
No new visa policy changes announced. Minister defends current government immigration settings focusing on skills and standards.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919021 July 2026
Australia's Net Overseas Migration Falls to 301,000
Net Overseas Migration has dropped 45% from 2023 peaks, with temporary visa holder and international student numbers continuing to decline. This may affect future visa planning.
Read more - Home Affairs60021 July 2026
Travel restrictions for Visitor visa holders with Iranian passports
An Arrival Control Determination has temporarily suspended Visitor (Subclass 600) visas linked to Iranian passports for 6 months from 26 March 2026. People outside Australia affected by this restriction cannot travel to Australia on their current visa.
Read more - Home Affairs41746221 July 2026
Working Holiday Maker Program Updates - Age Limits and Processing Changes
Home Affairs has updated eligibility rules for several countries and is experiencing longer processing times for Working Holiday visas due to high application volumes.
Read more - Home Affairs60050018919020 July 2026
Digital passenger cards replace paper forms at Australian airports
Australia is rolling out digital passenger cards to replace paper arrival forms. All travellers arriving at Australian airports and seaports will eventually use the new system.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518649420 July 2026
Heavy vehicle industry crackdown on visa breaches and worker exploitation
Australian Border Force launched a national operation targeting visa violations and migrant worker exploitation in the heavy vehicle transport industry across multiple states.
Read more - Home Affairs48248518919020 July 2026
Stronger rules for migration agents coming April 2026
New laws will require migration agents to complete more training and follow stricter ethical standards. This affects anyone using a registered migration agent for visa applications.
Read more - Home Affairs60020 July 2026
Temporary restriction on Iranian Visitor visa holders entering Australia
From 26 March 2026, Iranian passport holders with Visitor (Subclass 600) visas outside Australia are temporarily restricted from travelling to Australia for 6 months. Some exemptions apply.
Read more - Home Affairs48248520 July 2026
Training Visa Sponsorship Requirements Changed
New rules for training visa sponsorship came into effect in March 2026. This affects employers and individuals sponsoring or applying for training visas in Australia.
Read more - Home Affairs50020 July 2026
New rules for student visa refusal appeals
Australia has updated regulations allowing student visa applicants to request administrative review of refusal decisions. This affects anyone whose student visa application has been refused.
Read more - Home Affairs41746220 July 2026
Working Holiday Maker Age Criteria Changes 2026
New regulations change age requirements for Working Holiday Maker visas effective 30 June 2026. Check if you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Read more - Home Affairs48520 July 2026
New Application Fee for Temporary Graduate Visa
Australia has introduced an application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This affects international students who want to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies.
Read more - Home Affairs19049119 July 2026
Victoria Opens Skilled Visa Pathway for Early Childhood Teachers
Victoria is now nominating early childhood teachers for skilled migration visas, offering permanent and temporary visa options with extra points and financial support for relocation.
Read more